Democratic lawmakers are trying to move Colorado back toward mercy for young felons by undoing some of the penalties born from the 1993 Summer of Violence — punishments that rank among the toughest in the nation.

A slate of bills would make juveniles less likely to serve life in adult jails, less likely to be judged as competent to stand trial as adults and more likely to receive second chances through child-tailored rehabilitation programs.

Critics say leniency with the most-heinous child felons endangers public safety and takes power from law enforcement working to curb gang violence and other scourges.

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